Sunshine International, a retirement resort and residence provider originating in Hua Hin, is rapidly expanding under the leadership of Andrew Stocks.
With a vision to transform retirement living in Thailand, Andrew has positioned the company as a leader in providing luxury, hotel-style retirement communities for expatriates and retirees.
Andrew, 54, who has lived in Hua Hin for 16 years, founded Sunshine International to address what he perceived as a gap in retirement living options. He was inspired by a personal experience with his grandmother, whose dissatisfaction with a traditional nursing home prompted him to create a hybrid model combining the comforts of a resort with the support services retirees need. The concept quickly gained traction, starting with a small resort for 24 residents and evolving into a rapidly growing brand serving hundreds of clients.
“Retirement should not feel like a loss of independence or dignity,” Andrew said. “We wanted to create places that feel like hotels—offering services like restaurants, fitness centres, and 24-hour medical support—to ensure retirees feel secure and cared for.”
The company’s latest project, Sunshine Prestige, is under construction in Hua Hin and is expected to open in early 2025. Billed as Hua Hin’s most prestigious retirement serviced residence, the development will feature 56 private pool villas, 64 apartments and penthouses, and 72 Oriental residences and suites. Amenities include an international restaurant, spa, fitness centre, and 24-hour medical staff on-site.
Residents will also have access to an executive lounge offering beverages and snacks throughout the day. The development is a ‘lifestyle investment’ that provides residents with everything they need in one location.
Beyond Hua Hin, Andrew has ambitious plans to expand the Sunshine International brand across Thailand, with new projects envisioned for Chiang Mai and Pattaya. His vision is to provide retirees with the option to live in the cities they love while enjoying the same high standard of service and care that Sunshine International is known for.
“Thailand has so much to offer retirees, from its warm weather and low cost of living to its friendly culture,” Andrew said. “We aim to build more resorts over the next seven years to meet the growing demand from overseas retirees moving to Thailand.”
Despite the challenges of managing operations across cultures, Andrew credits his team and their adaptability for the company’s success. He emphasises fostering a positive and supportive environment for both staff and residents. “I love to set challenges that scare me—because if they don’t, they’re not big enough,” he said.
Andrew believes the market for retirement living in Thailand is just beginning to boom. With the country’s appealing lifestyle and competitive property prices, more people are looking to retire in destinations like Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. He predicts Sunshine International will have three or four more resorts within the next seven years.
Sunshine International’s approach has resonated with retirees worldwide. The company offers both rental and purchase options, catering to a wide demographic of international residents. By blending luxury with accessibility, Sunshine International is paving the way for a new era of retirement living in Thailand.
Andrew’s passion for creating meaningful, supportive communities for retirees has established Sunshine International as a brand poised to redefine the standard for retirement living in the region.
